About Fresh Bourbon
We make bourbon for the way you drink. Founded by Sean and Tia Edwards in the heart of Lexington, Kentucky, Fresh Bourbon is recognized by the State of Kentucky as the first African American-owned distillery to produce Kentucky bourbon since slavery. We craft an authentic, four-grain, 95-proof bourbon — mashed, fermented, distilled, and bottled entirely in Kentucky — designed to drink beautifully whether you pour it neat, over ice, or in a cocktail.
Our tasting room at 377 E Main St brings that same philosophy to life: no gatekeeping, no pretension, just great bourbon and great people. Whether a guest is a first-timer or a seasoned tastemaker, we believe bourbon is for everyone. If you believe that too, keep reading.
The Role
The Distillery Operations & Brand Manager oversees daily distillery operations from production through customer engagement. This hands-on leadership role combines spirit production, quality control, team management, regulatory reporting, and brand representation. One day you might be monitoring fermentation tanks or managing barrel inventory in the warehouse. The next, you're guiding a group of guests through a tasting flight or building a relationship with a local bar account. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable operating a still, managing a team, engaging customers at events, and building relationships with retail and restaurant partners.
A note on scope: We're a small craft distillery. While this description covers a wide range of responsibilities, the volume of activity across each area is intentionally manageable. You won't be running a high-output production line or managing a large staff — you'll be working closely with a small, dedicated team where your contributions are visible and your ownership is real.
This is a full-time, in-person position at our Lexington distillery and tasting room.
Key ResponsibilitiesProduction & Distillery Operations
· Distill spirits in accordance with company recipes, quality standards, and regulatory requirements
· Operate, monitor, troubleshoot, and perform routine maintenance and cleaning of stills and production equipment
· Monitor fermentation progress and support day-to-day production activities
· Support new product development and continuous improvement of production processes
Bottling, Packaging & Quality Control
· Proof, blend, filter, bottle, label, and package finished products while maintaining quality assurance standards
· Perform site checks on bottles before casing and shipment
· Maintain cleanliness and efficiency on the bottling line
Barrel & Warehouse Management
· Handle, move, and organize barrels across multiple sizes (6.3, 10, 15, 30, and 53 gallons)
· Track barrel contents, fill dates, and aging progress
· Conduct routine warehouse inspections and maintain a safe, organized storage environment
Inventory & Production Scheduling
· Manage production schedules and inventory to ensure efficient workflow and product availability
· Track raw materials, finished goods, and packaging supplies
· Maintain accurate inventory records and flag low-stock items proactively
Facility & Safety
· Maintain a clean, safe, and organized production facility in compliance with OSHA, TTB, and state regulations
· Perform routine facility and equipment maintenance; escalate issues requiring outside repair
Regulatory Compliance
· Prepare operational reports, production records, inventory documentation, and regulatory compliance reports for TTB and Kentucky state agencies
· Stay current on relevant compliance requirements and flag concerns to leadership
Team Leadership
· Supervise, train, and lead production and tasting room staff
· Create and manage employee work schedules and oversee daily staffing needs
· Set clear expectations, provide direction, and support team members in doing their best work
Tasting Room & Guest Experience
· Lead guided bourbon tasting experiences and interactive mixology sessions
· Bring Fresh Bourbon's story to life — from our four-grain mash bill to our pre-prohibition distillation process
· Create a welcoming, inclusive experience that makes every guest feel at home
Brand Ambassador & Sales Support
· Represent Fresh Bourbon at festivals, fairs, tastings, and special events
· Conduct in-store tastings and develop relationships with liquor stores, bars, restaurants, and distributors
· Assist with sales initiatives, customer education, and product promotions to grow brand awareness and placement
QualificationsRequired
· Experience in distilled spirits production or beverage manufacturing
· Knowledge of distillation equipment, proofing, bottling, sanitation, and quality control
· Leadership or supervisory experience with the ability to motivate and manage a small team
· Strong organizational, communication, and time-management skills
· Ability to maintain accurate production and compliance records
· Comfortable working a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and travel for events
· Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work in a hands-on production environment
· Must be 21 years of age or older
· Valid driver's license with a clean driving record
Preferred
· Prior experience at a craft distillery or spirits producer
· Knowledge of TTB reporting requirements and Kentucky distillery compliance
· Background in hospitality, guided tours, or consumer-facing brand education
· Familiarity with inventory management or ERP tools
· Existing relationships with bars, restaurants, or retail accounts in Kentucky or expansion markets
Why Work Here
Fresh Bourbon is a small, tight-knit team building something meaningful. We're not just making bourbon — we're changing who gets to make it, who gets to drink it, and what that experience looks like. Every member of our team plays a real role in that.
You'll have ownership over your work, direct visibility with leadership, and the satisfaction of seeing the impact of what you do — whether that's a batch that hits proof, a warehouse that runs like clockwork, or a guest who leaves saying it was the best bourbon experience they've ever had.
We are committed to building a team that reflects the inclusive community we serve. People of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are encouraged to apply.
Pay: $45,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
